Recently, I had a very special moment by the beautiful Sea of Galilee—a place filled with the presence and peace of God. I was there with my beloved brother and friend, Pastor Sasson, a Jewish pastor and follower of Yeshua. It wasn’t just a planned visit—it was a real time of connection, of prayer, of refreshing our hearts in the Lord, together with our families.
We weren’t making a video to “show” anything. This was real. The love we share is genuine. We are more than just ministry partners—we are truly family in Yeshua.
We spent time with other Messianic and Arab leaders as well, worshiping the Lord and encouraging one another. And it reminded me again: this is what the world needs to see—not the hatred, fear, and division shown constantly in the media, but real reconciliation, real friendship, and real hope.
Sasson said it so well:
“In these days of war and hatred, this is the time to show a different reality—that we are one in Yeshua, and that He is the only answer.”
Coming from Gaza and standing with me, an Arab pastor from Nazareth—this is not something the world understands. But this is the power of the Gospel! It breaks down walls. It replaces fear with faith.
Enemies become brothers.
Our friendship isn’t just about words. Over the years, we’ve stood together through crises—through the COVID pandemic, through wars in Gaza and Lebanon. We never stopped. Our “Back to School” projects, food distributions, and practical aid continued. We prayed together, planned together, and served together.
“We never stopped,” I told Sasson with a smile, “because this is what we were called to do. One day, when Yeshua returns, we’ll worship Him together—and nothing else will matter.”
Friends, I want to encourage you:
Don’t believe the lies of the media.
Come and see for yourself.
There is something holy and powerful happening in Israel. Jewish and Arab believers are being brought together—not by politics, not by programs, but by the love of Jesus.
Thank you, dear partners, for standing with us. Because of your prayers and support, we are able to live out this testimony and be a light to our nation. Please continue to pray for Pastor Sasson and his family as they return home, and for all of us as we walk forward together in faith.
From the shores of the Galilee to every corner of Israel—may Yeshua be glorified.
With love in Messiah,
Pastor Saleem Shalash